Mark 10:35-45

The Leader Who Serves

It’s fun to think about what your life might be like if you were a king or a queen. Let’s talk about that.

A king or queen is the head or leader of a country. We think of them as being rich, perhaps living in a grand palace. They have all the clothes they need and more. They may wear a crown and own many jewels. We think of them sitting at a long, beautiful table enjoying a feast. There are servants who wait on them and bring them what they need.

What kind of king or queen would you be? What would you ask for? What would you do? How would you treat people? Would you be a kind or difficult leader?

Here is what Jesus says about being a leader: “… whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant” (10:43). This sounds kind of upside down, doesn’t it? A king or queen being a servant?

Jesus teaches us that the very best leader is one who cares about all people and wants to do what is best for them. Even though a king or queen may be very powerful, they are most powerful when they serve the people of their country.

Jesus has been called the King of Kings – powerful above all, and he says, “For the Son of Man (Jesus) came not to be served, but to serve…” (10:45).

Jesus comes to each one of us as a servant offering his gift of God’s love.